Esthetician Schools and Core Classes. Licensing and Education Information. How to Find the Right School

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1 Esthetician Schools and Core Classes Esthetician schools will typically offer diploma or certificate programs and will prepare their students for the certification exam after they have graduated. An esthetician is licensed by the state and will provide hair removal, facials, pedicures, manicures and other services that will improve the appearance and overall health of a person s skin. The licensing and education requirements will vary from state to state. Licensing and Education Information While the licensing requirements tend to vary, generally, an applicant will need to be at least 18 years old and pass a state specific exam, in order to obtain their license for this field. To qualify for the licensing exam, an applicant will need to complete state approved esthetics and skin care classes at esthetician schools or beauty schools. These programs will often have clinical hour requirements, with the amount of time required ranging from 300 to 650 hours. Esthetics classes will explore the physiology, anatomy and science of the skin, and students will undertake lessons in aromatherapy treatments, makeup application, eyebrow tinting, manicures, pedicures, scrubs and body wraps. Additional courses will cover professionalism, disinfection, and sanitation and client communication. There are many schools that will also offer master classes, which consist of a considerable amount of hours on advanced topics. These classes will teach skin care techniques and use sophisticated technologies such as laser skin treatments, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. How to Find the Right School The goal of an esthetician college is to prepare a student for an entry level position in this field. To accomplish this, the college a student chooses will need to adhere to all standards that are required by the state, in order for the student to be eligible to take the certification exam. The classwork will involve studies of professional safety practices, cosmetology theory, physiology, makeup application, state laws and facial procedures. Some of these programs will also include business and management classes, which can be important in a professional setting.

2 Individuals interested in this type of program should look for a college with a salon on campus which will provide the student with more hands on training opportunities. Many of these schools will feature internships, which is especially important for the student that s seeking an entry level job once they have graduated. Because an esthetician will work closely with patients, they ll need to be able to work comfortably with others, in addition to having good customer service skills. The best colleges will include courses that will focus on enhancing these skills. Basic Esthetician Classes These esthetician programs can take less than twelve months to complete and will prepare graduates for state licensing and entry level employment. The skin care class will teach students how to identify common skin conditions such as age spots and acne and how to recommend treatments based on a person s skin type. This class will combine clinical study with lab work, which will help to prepare a student to perform spa treatments such as Vichy showers, massages, scrubs and body wraps. A student will learn the correct way to use magnification tools, lighted mirrors, and different types of topical applications. The facials class will teach students how to operate high frequency tools, apply facial masks, glycolic facials, exfoliations and chemical peels. Students will practice these techniques on fellow classmates, under the supervision of a program instructor. The makeup application class teaches students how to master color theory as well as how to identify skin types and their characteristics. Students will perform different types of makeup applications using lipstick, eye shadow, concealer and foundation. They ll also practice special occasion and evening and day looks. The classwork will include the application of air brushed tans and false eyelashes. The hair removal class will teach students about the process of hair removal and students will learn how to remove hair using depilatory creams, tweezers and wax. Students will practice these techniques on fellow classmates, under the supervision of the program instructor.

3 The physiology and anatomy class will provide an overview of physiology and human anatomy. While this class covers the major body systems and organs, there is also special attention paid to nails, skin and hair. The salon management class is typically one of the last required classes in an accredited program. Marketing and sales, in addition to the importance of good communication, will be emphasized in this course. A student will receive hands on experience staffing a salon, as well as selling products and merchandising. The individual that obtains esthetician certification can find employment at department stores, resorts, salons and spas. They can also work with nutritionists, plastic surgeons and dermatologists. The average annual salary for this position ranges from $28,000 to $34,000 and will depend on the esthetician s level of education, work environment and their years of experience. Esthetician Certification and Continuing Education To earn the esthetician certification you ll first need to complete an accredited training program, which will feature hundreds of hours dedicated to earning hands on experience. An esthetician is a trained skin care specialist who administers skin treatments, makeup applications, hair removal procedures and neck and head massages. This type of beauty care specialist can find employment in a number of settings such as makeup counters, private practices, hospitals and beauty salons. An individual who wants to work in this field will need to obtain a state license. Depending on the state in which the esthetician resides, they may first need to complete a formal training program, in order to be eligible for the esthetician certification. Training Program Enrollment Requirements Those individuals that are interested in becoming a licensed esthetician will need to be at least 18 years of age and they ll typically be required to complete a determined amount of hours in a state approved certificate or degree program. There are a number of education options when it comes to this profession, such as diploma, certificate or degree programs in cosmetology or esthetics. These programs can span from twelve months to two years in length. Depending on the level of the program, a student can learn about topics that will include sanitation procedures, nail care, makeup techniques, massage, equipment use, chemistry and anatomy.

4 After graduation from a cosmetology or esthetics program, a student will usually be required to apply for state licensure. These individuals will need to pass a state administered exam, in order to legally find employment. This exam will consist of practical and written portions and will usually cover the core subjects that have been learned during a training program. Depending on the state in which they reside, an esthetician might also be required to pay a fee for both the license and the exam. The esthetician will need to renew their licensure after a certain period of time, and they might also be required to submit a renewal fee. If an esthetician relocates, they will be required to apply for a new state license. The application procedure for estheticians that are new to a state can involve the esthetician submitting their current license and possibly retaking the state specific certification exam. How to Become a Master Esthetician Individuals that are licensed estheticians can purse an advanced education by taking classes in master esthetics. The admission into a certificate program will typically involve completing over six hundred hours of advanced training. These advanced programs will include courses in medical esthetics, microdermabrasion, physiology, anti-aging treatments, chemical exfoliation and lymph drainage. Most states will require the esthetician to complete continuing education classes, in order to renew their licenses. These continuing education courses will include topics like lymphatic massage and spray tanning. Conferences and workshops can also satisfy the standards for continuing education. Aside from fulfilling licensure requirements, these courses can also help the professional to advance in their career, by learning new skills and techniques. Read More Certificate and Degree Esthetician Programs As an esthetician you will help to improve the appearance of a client s skin, nails or hair. The most common esthetician programs will award either an associate s degree or a certificate of

5 completion. Here, we ll take a look at both of these esthetician programs, in addition to discussing the licensing requirements for this field. Certificate Programs for Estheticians Diploma and certificate programs will generally focus on improving the health and appearance of a specific area, such as the skin, hair, fingernails or toenails. A student will learn practical skills by completing extensive hands on training through the school s salon, which will be located on-campus. These programs can often be completed in less than a year and will include the business, social and scientific aspects for this field. Many of these programs cover a specific discipline or facet, with class topics that include courses on skin diseases, customer service skills, science of skin care and hair coloring and design. Individuals that earn a certificate will qualify for entry level positions in the beauty industry. A graduate can choose to work independently or in a beauty salon, spa or health resort. The popular career options will include hair colorist, nail tech or skin specialist. Associate s Degree Programs for Estheticians The associate s degree program will last for two years and covers a broader range of cosmetology topics. This program will usually allow a student to choose one area of specialty. In addition, a student will acquire practical skills for this profession, while also learning about marketing and the business aspects of working in salons and spas. Many of these degree programs will require a student to complete general education courses in science, math and humanities. The core topics will cover business protocol, social sciences and natural sciences. A student will typically learn about anatomy and physiology, skin assessment, salon management, pharmacology and cosmetic makeup and chemistry. According to statistics, the job opportunities for this position are expected to grow by more than thirty percent within the next three years. Statistics also show that estheticians that have less than one year of work experience made an average of $28,000 to $36,000.

6 When working with clients, an esthetician will begin by assessing a client s skin and determining their specific needs, in order to recommend daily skin regimens and certain types of treatments. An esthetician can apply tonics, peels, moisturizers, masks, body wraps and cleansers, in order to help improve skin on the body, face and hands. They can also be trained in certain areas of massage, hair removal or makeup application. Working as a medical esthetician will involve working with cancer patients, burn victims or plastic surgery recipients. Many of the same procedures and treatments provided by the medical esthetician can be provided by the professional that works in salon or health spa. The medical esthetician will also teach patients how to apply makeup as well as recommend skin care products that will help to improve the look and feel of their skin. Read More Esthetician License and Job Description To earn the esthetician license, an individual will be required to complete a formal training program, in addition to taking and passing the certification exam. These programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge that s needed in order to enhance the appearance and health of a client s body and skin. During the program a student will be able to earn the necessary training that s needed in order to pass the esthetician license exam. Certificate Program Overview These certificate programs are available through trade colleges, beauty schools, community colleges and junior colleges. In a program, a student will be trained for such positions as esthetician, skin care specialist, wax technician and makeup artist. When enrolled in this type of program a student will learn how to apply skin care treatments to the body and face, style, wash and cut hair and perform pedicures and manicures, in addition to performing different types of chemical peels. Training will also be provided in more advanced areas of skin care, such as machine facials and microdermabrasion. Some certificate programs will also teach students the different techniques used for body massage, light therapy and

7 reflexology. After graduation, a student will be eligible to seek state licensure, in order to begin practicing. Many of these programs will require the applicant to be at least eighteen years of age and have a GED or high school diploma, in order to qualify for enrollment. Some schools can also require a student to have a history of working in a relate field. The classwork in this program is usually divided between practical applications and theoretical explanations. A student will learn different methods for improving the appearance and health of a client s skin. Some of the common courses will include topics on facial hair removal, physiology and anatomy, the correct way to apply makeup, sanitations and safety for skincare treatments, electric facials and massage therapy. These accredited training programs will usually consist of hundreds of hours of hands on training and classroom time. The other areas of study will include waxing techniques, skin care analysis and skin assessment. Some beauty schools will also offer courses in product sales, business practices and retail management. How to Obtain your License and Advanced Course Information Individuals that work in the personal appearance field will need to obtain licensure through the state board of cosmetology, in order to practice. The licensing requirements can vary from state to state, with most states requiring individuals that apply for the exam to have completed a state specific amount of practice hours. Most states will also require estheticians to earn continuing education hours each year, in order to be eligible for license renewal. Many graduates will go on to acquire further nails, skin and hair care skills through associate s degree programs in the cosmetology field. Additionally, there are several colleges that will offer degree and certificate programs that will group esthetician training with cosmetology or nail technology. A graduate can also go on to complete salon management or marketing certificate programs. The esthetician will need to know how to correctly evaluate a client s skin and will then need to select the right products, such as makeup or lotion, in order to enhance and beautify it. An esthetician will also need to possess strong communication skills, so that they can develop a

8 rapport with their clients and a strong client base. Estheticians also need to know how to market services and products to customers, in order to continue to deliver the most effective treatments, based on the needs of each specific client. Read More Esthetician Salary and Career Advancement A career working as an esthetician can be both interesting and rewarding, and an education for this field will provide you with the knowledge needed to administer treatments that will help clients on a number of levels. The esthetician salary can also be rewarding, and with additional certifications you can land employment in a high paying work environment. Here we ll take a look at the esthetician salary, as well as discuss the role and responsibility for this field. Education Requirements and the Work Environment To work as an esthetician, you ll be required to complete a formal training program, which can take eight to twelve months to complete. Once you ve graduated you ll need to take and pass a state licensing exam, which will include both written and practical portions. As a professional esthetician, you can find employment in health resorts, spas, beauty salons, hospitals, dermatology clinics, oncology wards and private practices. Working in a doctor s office, hospital or clinic will often provide you with a higher salary. The majority of estheticians will earn an average salary that ranges from $26,000 to $54,000 a year. Your salary as an esthetician will vary depending on the type of facility you work in, your level of education and the years of experience you have. Working as a medical esthetician can require more education, but will also provide a higher salary. If you re currently working as this type of esthetician, you can take advanced training courses, which will allow you to provide more specialized treatments and can also help you to qualify for supervisory or managerial positions.

9 Overview of the Esthetician Career An esthetician will strive to make their client feel and look younger, by cleaning and beautifying their skin, providing full body treatments, makeup application and removing body and facial hair. With additional specialized training, an esthetician can also perform chemical peels, laser treatments and microdermabrasion. Many estheticians are required to sell skin care products or perform cosmetology services, if they work in a beauty salon, spa or health resort. The majority of states will require an esthetician to have a GED or high school diploma and enroll in a training program, which will prepare them for a state certification exam. The skin care specialist training programs can be completed in a little under a year and will include classes that cover topics such as aromatherapy, reflexology, hair removal, disease and infection and makeup application. To work in this position you ll need to have an artistic flair, have plenty of physical stamina and good interpersonal and communication skills. According to statistics, this career field is expected to grow by more than thirty percent in the next three years, which is faster than the average job growth. Read More Esthetics Cosmetology Blended Programs Esthetics cosmetology programs will feature core classes that will prepare a student for certification in both of these fields. Most states will require certification for both of these professions, which is done by the individual passing a state written and practical exam. Here we ll take a look at the education options for esthetics cosmetology programs, as well as learn about the licensing and certification requirements. Prospective estheticians and cosmetologists can learn their trade in beauty schools and community colleges. While certificate programs can prepare a student to meet licensing requirements, enrolling in a two year associate s degree program will allow for them to take additional general education classes in math, computer applications and writing. Other classwork will provide instruction on facials, hair coloring, makeup application, styling, coloring, scrubs and body wraps. Students will learn these techniques by way of lecture or by providing these services to clients during the clinical portion of a program. There are also barbering degree programs available, for students who are interested in working primarily with male clientele, however, these programs are very rare.

10 What is an Esthetician? An esthetician is also referred to as a skin care specialist and they will work by cleaning skin through skin exfoliation, facials, massage and aromatherapy. Estheticians will also analyze skin for problems, as well as provide hair removal services. They can also apply makeup and provide consultations for clients needing advice on effective skin care regimens. An esthetician can work in spas, fitness clubs, beauty salons and private practices. A medical esthetician is a skin care specialist that will work with burn victims, cancer patients and other individuals that are suffering from health related issues. This type of esthetician will provide facials and other types of skin treatments to patients that have skin that s been damaged by chemotherapy treatments, fires, surgery and other types of incidents. They re also responsible for helping a patient to moisturize and cleanse their skin, in addition to choosing and applying the correct kind of makeup. For this position, employment can be found in reconstructive surgery centers, trauma centers, burn units and hospitals, or other types of medical facilities. This position is very competitive and having credentials as a cosmetologist will help you to stand out from other qualified applicants. Certification and Licensing Information To legally find employment as an esthetician, an individual will be required to complete a formal training program that also features cosmetology components. This type of education can come in the form of certificate, diploma or degree programs. Regardless of the type of program, the student will need to also complete practical training, in order to be eligible to take the certification exam. All states will require that personal appearance workers, such as cosmetologists, hair stylists and estheticians become licensed, and have their licensed renewed every three to four years. Read More